Head of Technology and Innovation

Roadrunner Venture Studios is the nation’s leading platform for founding breakthrough ventures in deep technology. Our mission is to turn frontier tech into breakthrough companies for the benefit of the American people. Together with engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs, we build products, create business models, recruit teams, align companies with their first customers, and provide initial funding. Our venture studio focuses on quantum science, space tech, energy, advanced manufacturing, and clean tech.

Position Overview: We are seeking a visionary and strategic Head of Technology and Innovation to be a hands on player coach leading a team of high performing product managers, analysts, EIRs and Advisors in identifying market opportunities, sourcing innovative technologies, generating ideas for new deep-tech startups.  Your enthusiasm for productizing deep-tech research insights and achieving product-market fit across a wide range of technologies is essential. We are seeking an idea factory who can build high-potential companies in parallel. If you have experience in managing the sourcing and deal flow for deep tech startups, developing new ideas for companies and products, and driving deep-tech hardware companies to product-market fit, this role is ideal for you.

• Idea Generation & Opportunity Identification: 
• Lead the creation of 3-4 companies a year for each studio
• Conduct in-depth market research to identify unmet customer needs and emerging trends within the deep tech space
• Analyze competitive landscapes and market dynamics to pinpoint high-potential opportunities for innovation and growth
• Generate high-conviction thesis for new venture-backable startups to be created by the studio, aligning your core beliefs on market opportunity and the trendlines of breakthrough technologies.
• Develop and execute a strategic vision for market entry and expansion, aligning with the venture studio’s goals and capabilities

• Technology Sourcing and Evaluation:
• Partner with universities and national labs to bring disruptive deep tech companies to market nationwide
• Build and maintain a robust network of researchers, inventors, universities, and technology transfer offices to source cutting-edge technologies
• Evaluate the commercial potential of new technologies through rigorous due diligence, including technical feasibility, market demand, and competitive advantage
• Establish strategic partnerships with technology providers to secure access to high-potential innovations

•  Product Management and Development:
• Oversee the entire product lifecycle for technologies being developed, from concept to commercialization
• Collaborate with R&D teams to ensure that product development aligns with market needs and strategic goals
• Implement best practices in product management, including agile methodologies, to accelerate development timelines and ensure high-quality outcomes
• Drive innovation in product design and functionality to maintain a competitive edge in the market
• Ensure that products meet regulatory standards and industry best practices

Qualifications: 

•   Minimum of 10 years of experience in growth-focused roles within the deep tech, venture capital, or startup ecosystem.

•   Proven track record of identifying market opportunities and founding or building successful deep tech startups from scratch.

•   Strong understanding of product-market fit, commercialization, and building pre-seed companies for venture funding.

•   Excellent strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

•  Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse range of

•    stakeholders.

•   Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for innovation and a willingness to take calculated risks.

•   Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire teams, fostering a culture of growth and excellence.

•  Potential of being located in New Mexico or spending time in New Mexico.